Charlie, I agree, its not Nickelodeon, but as long as you allow children to post, They should be dealt with as the child that they are. Once she started arguing back the thread should have been closed. Who's the adult? One child riled up a hornets nest on this site by making a bunch of adults so mad that they said things that were out of line and behaved like children themselves. Who got the last laugh? I am sure it is not the members of this board, or the bird that her parents probably went and got her just because a bunch of adults picked on their child. No I am sure, it was the child herself.

#81643 - 07/04/0604:38 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Danad- you are one of my best and most mature sources of information. You have given me lots of great information advice and feedback. Would you mind terribly if I got your e-mail address so I could continue to "pick your brain"? I'll be happy to give you mine....Thanks, Lori.

#81644 - 07/05/0604:03 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Every pet I owned before age 25, went to my mom when I moved, etc....or I had to rehome. I hope to God I am more established now....think I am, at 38, but I do know this, that no matter what happens, morbidly short of a terrible disease or something, my life cannot take any turn in which I cannot financially and most of all mentally take all animals with me. I am not in any means "rich" or anything...but I don't jump into anything that I know I can't pay for no matter what comes up...cages, toys, food, emergencies. Now, it is the other way around, and I tend to take care of my mom's pets, and vice-versa. But I wouldn't even suggest a kitten to anyone that was so young, I am sorry, just wouldn't. I've been a "single" person and still am kind of, for a long long time. I've had a lot of friends and watched what has happened to them and their pets as they grew, moved, had babies, whatever life changes happened-I've watched my friends grow and change and have to get rid of pets due to moving, boyfriends, kids, work, etc.BUT, I have also watched a very close family friend from the age of 12...and now 36. She has taken her animals with her all along. And she was just in the local paper for graduating from Veterinary school in Virginia and STILL has her African Grey. So , not ALL is to be lost on these children/young adults. I agree though with everything...and just too young, probably a lot of us though think we can handle all upcoming problems or changes in our lives, but I think a lot of us can't if we think about it. Life comes at you FAST...and when so so young...Its really tough. At 22 and taking on an M2- I beat myself up every day still about him , but I was responsible enough to find him a nice home, and fortunately even from me moving from MD to FL and back again, know that he is ok...finally. But it haunted me. And now here I am , Galah and the whole flock. And STILL making mistakes, lost my D2, etc., etc. I don't like the spoiled American Child comment either, but sometimes it is true. Not in my case...unfortunately or I WOULD have been able to keep my M2 all those years ago...cause I would have been provided the $$$$ to be able to make the move I did and not into a crappy apartment in Florida. If I was spoiled I could have taken him with me and I would have. (Floyd, my previous M2). Spoiled, I am not- I have worked my butt off to get where I am and provide for the animals I have and my child all by myself, no support from her dad, and also am pretty much supporting my mom. She did it for me when I was young, and now I am doing it for her. NOT questioning Jerry's or anoyones comments on the matter....just well, rambling I guess! None the less, Happy 4th to everyone on the board!

#81645 - 07/05/0605:58 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

2Toos - Kudos and hats off to you. You are obviously the type of strong, responsible person that I much admire and want to be when I grow up (only laughing now because I'm in my late 40's - actually, should I be crying yet because of my age???) You have overcome adversity and done it WELL!!!! As is apparent by the sharing of your story and your life. You are obviously strong, independent and I wish we were all that way. You obviously have a lot to offer to the world around you, your animals, avians, yourself and I sincerely hope you know and recognize the inner strength you convey. Thank you soooo much for your input. It is valued, as it should be from such a strong source. Anyone who knows you should consider themselves lucky. Thanks and keep in touch. Lori, Baby and family.

#81646 - 07/05/0605:58 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

I could be wrong, but I get the feeling this person is a troll. Sometimes her language was extremely "mature" and other times it wasn't. Alot of things didn't add up either. Besides, how can mommy afford to shell out over two grand for that bird when daddy had the cable cut off because it costs to much??

With school out now, I picture a bored teenager or two sitting around the computer having what they consider a good time and now they are probably watching this thread and watching adults arguing, etc....

I could be wrong, but that's my opinion

#81647 - 07/05/0607:58 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Troll or no troll, I think this particular topic is a good discussion. I'm 41 years old and have two daughters. They are spoiled, but nowhere near as spoiled as some. They got beater cars for thier 16th birthday and had to work and pay insurance and car repairs. They also had to keep a B average in school. They are not even as spoiled as some I've seen, the kids driving in brand new cars w/ cell phones and all, but they are more spoiled than many. Only in this day and age do some people have so much money to toss away that they will buy a 2000 dollar plus pet for a young child. Amazing.

Several years ago I bought my girls a cockatiel and a parakeet. Guess who takes care of Button and Sam? Not them! But I knew this would happen and since I have four other birds, what are two little beaks more?

It's very rare to find a child that can take care of any animal other that short term. Not saying they aren't out there, but it's rare. The puppy/kitty/birdie/bunny is cute for awhile but kids have extremely short attention spans and just about any animal will outlive that attention span.

Bunch of rambling but I guess I'm saying I agree with the opinions of those who don't think children should have "thier own" pet.

#81648 - 07/05/0608:55 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

I'm hoping that everyone aforementioned will recognize that you were attempting to train and redirect this young person before she got SLAMMED and will probably never visit this site again and will most likely go out and buy the poor bird because of that fact.

Her Mother is buying the bird, and the Child didnt want to listen, like most children~

All the training, guiding and well meaning people were not going to make a darn bit of difference becouse this child is selfish and unable to look at this situation with any objectivity...Its all about what she wants~ * Its called Maturity*

#81649 - 07/05/0610:03 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

There are many things I find disappointing in regards to Galahgirl. First off is that her parents would even let her entertain the thought of bringing home such a creature as a RB2. Second is that she was allowed on the internet long enough to type out as many replies as she did without their knowledge. Third is that her parents were not the ones here asking for the information regarding the maintenance and upkeep on such a bird. Lastly, is that they would even give her the hopes that she would get this bird for a “birthday present”. All we can hope for at this point is that she was upset enough to tell her parents about this, they came here to read the thread that she started and responses that she was given. That they then look at all the information given and tell her a firm “NO” to bringing the bird home.

I tried my best to (politely) persuade her in the direction of not getting the bird. I am owned by a RB2 and even as much as I love Tinkerbell to death, just because he is pink and has a thingy that goes up and down on his head does not make him a good pet.

If cable TV is too expensive, how can they afford a $300 well bird check up? Heaven forbid that the bird gets sick. I can remember very recently paying over $700 in two days at the vets office in regards to my birds.

I can see it now, she will get the bird for her birthday. In a short matter of time she will be back asking questions to try and help her bird, or better yet, her parents will be here asking questions about why the bird that they bought their daughter has turned into a monster and bites everyone that it comes in contact with.....

The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.Henry Van Dyke

#81650 - 07/06/0612:30 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

What she really wants, and doesn't realize it, is a puppet, and the skill to use it properly. A nice, pink puppet to match her favorite piece of clothing, and look cute.This would be the perfect gift for her, and should come with a lot of encouragement to learn how to use it well.Unfortunately, her teachers and possibly her parents have been duped into the idea that "she's so intelligent, she can do/be anything she wants". So they try not to ever tell her "NO".This is sad, because if she grows older without learning to deal with the various "NO" answers in life, she won't grow up. I know far too many 40, 50, even 60 year old brats who were convinced at an early age that because they were "intelligent" they could do anything, even (gulp) run their own lives! They never really managed to get enough real life experience to do anything except insist on their own way about stuff. The trails they leave behind them are littered with broken marriages, abandoned toys, pets, spouses, and children.

Child rearing is not a new problem, but today's educational system seems to compound the problem badly by overemphasizing certain intellectual skills, and ignoring the possibility that wisdom does NOT equal knowledge.

Jody

#81651 - 07/06/0601:20 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

jm47 brought up a very valid point, about accessorizing, and I think I will give it a name: The Paris Hilton Syndrome.

Didn't Ms. Hilton get a new chihuahua because the first chi gained a few ounces and became a burden to carry around, weighing in at 3 whopping pounds? Now she has a 2 pound pooch.

Another thing I've noticed about some of these personae who check in here and check out really fast when we don't give them a parade, is their screen name. "GalahGirl" wasn't about the bird, it was about the kid. I've noticed that almost everyone here goes by a handle like MurphysMom, Belongs2Sammy, WillieandPhoebe and MrMollieMom, just to name a few. It's about the bird.

Charlie, Jerry, and Andrea just cut to the chase being the straight forward, down to earth folks that they are. (Forgive me for the analysis, I majored in psychology. Sometimes I just can't help myself from pondering the little details.) Just an observation on my part.

But statements like "I'm GalahGirl because I love Galahs hence the name" doesn't sit well with me. And I think it's because of the selfishness I sense, and I'm sure it affected a number of you as well.

"Spoiled" doesn't begin to describe GalahGirl's situation. It was more like arrogant disregard for anyone with experience.

#81652 - 07/06/0601:25 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Lena - totally agree... She was offerred some good advice and thought she "knew better" because of the fact that she is "smart" and could get it all out of a book without any experience at all. My biggest wish is that we could have gotten her parents on-line or on board and educated THEM because whose fault is it any way....???? Hers? I think not. It is her parents for being ignorant as to avians, especially larger ones and toos and to actually think "their kid" is so "smart" they would leave it in her hands. As I've said before, the whole thread gave me, and still does, nightmares because of the way the whole thing was cut off before getting the - LOL in a sarcastic way - "responsible adults" on line where they could have had the benefit of all of the excellent advice and experience. I mean, really, who lets a 12 year old girl (so matter how smart and intelligent) do all the research, decision-making, etc. without parental guidance and research on their own) .... I know MINE never did - - - funny aside? I'm 45 years old and they still don't!!! LOL. They still offer good advice, suggestions, research and share all of that and their years of experience with me...I value it! Am coming to the point that I really agree with the "spoiled" comment since the more I think about it, it seems that the parents are not "parenting" but letting this "child" run "wild" on her own so-called intellectual abilities and not monitoring, curbing, discipling (whatever you want to call it) and have left it up to her. I mean, who is the parent here and who is training whom????Thanks, Lena - excellent feedback.Lori, Baby and family.

#81653 - 07/06/0606:18 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Ooops and P.S. - when people asked GalahGirl how could they contact her, what did they mean and how did they do it? I've been told that we are not allowed to publish our e-mail addresses here (so noted) so how did they do it?Just a question as I really do not know and did not see any personal info exchanged?Help on this one?LoriL

#81654 - 07/06/0607:14 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

HI everyonein response to what you all have been saying about Galahgirl, well I know this young girl, she is very intelligent and when she was asking questions she was needing information. after all if her mind was made up she would have just bought one and not bothered with asking for anyones advice....spoiled not in the least, she comes from a middle class family,they do the best they can to clothe and take care of her and make her happy aswell as the other 3. She because of some nice people on the message board, took into consideration what was told her and all her research, decided not to purchase a cockatoo but instead maybe a conure. I just had to put my 2 cents in cause you see this girl is my daughter and she isn't a troll by any means. just a plain simple intellingent respectful young lady that was wanting guidance...thanks for all who helped her and the rest well I think you know.... <img border="0" alt="[laughing]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh[1].gif" />

#81656 - 07/06/0608:07 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Hi Galahgirl, welcome back. And fair do's to you for making yourself known again after what must be a difficult post to read.I think this means you may genuinely want to learn, and prepare yourself many years in advance for possibly, one day, in the long term future, becoming carer to a Galah? I do hope so. Does any of what you have read make sense? Again, I hope so, even if it may have been hard to take. People DO speak the truth here, but in the end, not only the bird benefits, you do to. :)Stick with us and learn, and ask, and ask, and ask.

edit..crossposted (is that the term?) with GalahGirls mamma.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

#81657 - 07/06/0608:57 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Hi galah girl, I am glad that you came back and brought your mom to the site too. I was afraid that you had been ran off. I am so happy to hear that you have decided on a conure, I am in no doubt that when you are older you will be able to take care of a galah, if you decide to. I am almost 40 and just got my too's from a rehab and they are alot of work, I just hope that I can give them all they need at my age. My advantage is I am a stay at home mom and I have 4 children and it takes all of us helping each other. It took a lot of courage for you to come back and yeah for your mom, for taking up for you.

#81658 - 07/06/0609:23 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

I just had to put my 2 cents in cause you see this girl is my daughter and she isn't a troll by any means. just a plain simple intellingent respectful young lady that was wanting guidance...thanks for all who helped her and the rest well I think you know....

I'm glad to see an adult from the household speak up... and be willing to come here and read through the initial responses that were given. (Just in case you didn't see the original thread...) http://www.mytoos.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000593

The word "troll" is regarding someone who posts simply to get everyone riled up, and is usually not the "real" person they claim to be. In the years that this board has existed, there have been hundreds - if not thousands of them who have made their way through here. It had crossed a couple of our minds that perhaps this was not actually a 13yo girl, but some sort of trouble-maker posing as one. I hope you understand that we are not calling your child a "troll"...

Although this is a forum about Cockatoos (mainly large ones) specifically, please do keep in mind that just because a bird is smaller does not make it trouble-free. A Conure will still need a varied diet of fresh whole foods (not just seeds). It will still require attention and cleaning up after (changing food/water bowls a number of times daily).

A Conure will still live for (from what I understand) 20, 30, 40 years, so it is still a long-term committment. Avian Veterinary costs are still very high - and necessary. Each year the Conure will need a check-up, and if accidents happen, there would be more cost of course.

Conures have shrill and LOUD calls! If noise is not an issue, fine. But be forewarned that the noise they can emanate is a HUGE reason why there are thousands of Conures sitting in RESCUES - given up by their original families (and perhaps a few families after that). I took some footage of some feral Conures in our back yard. They're at the very back of the property at the fence line, and I took the footage from INSIDE my house, so the noise was diminished compared to what it sounds like outside with them. (My presence outside would have made them take off...)http://parrotphotos.us/movies/conures112104b.mov

So while a Conure is a smaller parrot, PLEASE do your homework and realize that when buying one from a pet shop or breeder, you may be leaving another wonderful bird sitting alone in a shelter - while contributing to the parrot overpopulation problem. I'm glad you both came here to find out more, and hope you continue to educate yourselves so you can make the best decision for both your family, AND the welfare of a bird.

Lynne

If you must cripple a creatureto keep it, perhaps you shouldreconsider its suitability as a pet.

#81659 - 07/06/0609:57 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

GalahGirl and Mom - so glad you came back and that your parents are, obviously, involved and helping your research. I'm really glad that you decided that a 2 was going to be too much for you and that you have decided to start out smaller and, hopefully, with adoption. Again, as everyone has said, don't just jump in, without reading and research. Maybe volunteer at a local rescue center, Humane Society, etc. to gain experience, etc. before getting one of your own... I am biased in favor of tiels because that was my first bird and it was GREAT!! Although, I was 22 years old at the time!!! Our family still has a tiel who is now 12 years old and sweet as can be. (Mom, all of these birds live a long time and you have to consider who will be there to take care of them when you go out of town, vacation, etc.) My husband and I now (because of our U2) cannot even go out of town at the same time because I do not know anyone I would trust enough to take care of her while we are gone...kids simply can't do it and most older people (unless you really know someone who knows your bird and is good with them) cannot either... - Others here may be able to offer better info in that regard but I, personally, don't know anyone I would trust with my Baby. You certainly cannot leave a large bird in a cage for a week and just have someone come over once or twice a day to change food, water and clean the cage.Also, what are you going to do when GalahGirl goes to college?My 18 year old son is "special needs", just graduated high school and has been put in "charge" of cage cleaning. The birds love him and he loves them. He handles them (under supervision) and I have cautioned him with all of the good advice I have gotten from members of this board.Sorry for rambling but I am soooo happy that you came back and shared with us that you have listened, learned and are going to start in another (smaller) direction and - if you keep up your love of birds - hopefully add to your avian family after a GOOD NUMBER of years and life experiences and when you are truly ready to move on. I think most of us (not all) are a lot older and have been "around the block".Sorry also if some of the remarks seemed so "strong" - mine included. But, we all feel strongly about this and wanted to ensure that the message got across. Our first and foremost priority is the bird (sorry) and also did not want to see another sad story about children who have been severely injured.Sorry to ramble and GOOD for you for coming back, listenening and also sharing your new plans. I'm sooo happy you did so Lori, Baby and family

#81660 - 07/06/0610:53 PMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Thanks for joining in Momof4, it did concern me that such a young pwrson was posting on a mainly 'adult' message board, even though I know its not one of 'those' boards....(Im a foster parent by vocation, so I worry about the young'uns, a lot)Kudos to your daughter for coming back! (am not even sure what 'kudos' means, I think its mainly an American term, Im English, though I gather it means 'acclaim'??)I hope you both stay.....

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

#81661 - 07/07/0601:15 AMRe: ARE OTHER AVIAN LOVERS AND AMERICANS AS OFFENDED AS I WAS BY FINAL RESPONSE????

Kudos to all of you! Lets just all help each other. I feel like such a novice, because I do have a galah but she is still a baby....supposedly a year and a half although my vet suspects older...so I do not have ANY idea what she will do later in life! I am personally up for the challenge. Many I think look at these little pink beauties with a cute crest as a "large tiel", maybe (?)...I kind of still do....but know better because I see the signs of her getting "bossier" and all those Too traits- my daughter can't handle her anymore which I didn't think would happen, but she is "nippy" at times, and it takes confidence to not be afraid of that, which my 10 yr old dosen't have...and Sydney zooms right in on that hesitance from my daughter and is more than happy to over-power her. But that bird is my pet, not hers. So a different situation. I am glad Galah Girl has come back and researched before she jumped in! Very glad. And her mom too... It even overwhelmes me at many times, when I realize that for the rest of my life I am responsible for these babies of mine, and to be quite honest...knowing the dogs will not outlive the birds although I LOVE my dogs...it would be easier for me without all of them (the mix of Greyhounds, and birds, just dosen't work easily)...but when the dogs go to the rainbow bridge, they will not be replaced. Sad for me, but taking on the birds has made me realize it would be easier to just have one or the other. Its a heck of a lot of work, and I have "signed up for life" with these birds , and sometimes it hits me and I think "what the heck was I thinking"!??! But those moments are few, but when you really start thinking about it, its quite a scarey thought! I love them though, even if they turn on me, I will love them. And my YNA and the TAG that hates me still, are going to have the best I can possibley give. And I will have many bleeding bites from those 2! But when I see how happy they are here it makes it all worth while! On a different note, my daughter HAD to have a hamster....just had too. Shes mine now...I clean her, feed her, take care of her and now whenever my daughter mentions an animal- I have proof with the hamster that she isn't ready!! But thats different than this post. Just glad to see everything is working out. Even though people here may be harsh, it obviously comes with experience....and everyone is only thinking about the birds as it should be on this site...and I think in this case helped a very intelligent young girl And her parents make a very wise decision. I think if the parent's are involved thats the main thing, because ultimately that pet may end up (and probably will) with parent's taking care of it....which may not be such a bad thing! And "the parents" may not have known what was involved either, and now it seems they do. So yay! A "cute, pink, small bird" dosen't seem to most as being much trouble at all! But I can tell you, they are mischevious little things! And they need to RUN RUN RUN around the floor, they need to play, they need a huge cage, lots and lots of toys and of course LOTS of attention! And it isn't always rewarded with cuddles....sometimes a nice little nip! They are such playful things (As I am watching Sydney, screaming and going bonkers, laying on her back with a toy in her "hands" with her wings covering it)- I can't even tell you how cute it is, but its also LOUD! And , she needs to come out and play again before she goes to bed. Anyway, I am glad that Galah Girl and her mom came back- and I applaud you Mom of 4 and Galah Girl for having her mom speak up. And to do this before you actually go buy one....good for you! I hope you can find a rescue...even humane society....I encourage you go go to Petfinders.com, put in you zip code and you will find LOTS of birds there that are in need of a nice home. It will pop up rescues, and humane societies in your area. I must add to the "Paris Hilton syndrome"!!! I think though with that situation, no matter what those dogs are quite pampered- and not many of us are that spoiled!!! I wish I was though! And I'd like to be Paris' Tinkerbell, even if she got another one! That dog has more expensive outfits than I will ever have, and seems to be very loved, even though she may be a bit heavier to carry around! That dog probably has her own personal assistant!! Anyway- good luck with whatever you choose Galah Girl and Mom of 4. Your Galah Girl reminds me a lot of myself when I was that age. I am sorry if you and your little girl felt slammed. But trust me, you have to understand the plight of these birds and the passion of the people that are specifically on this board and not take it to heart. I think your little girl sounds very intelligent and responsible, and I am just glad that you have been brought onto this site with her. I just as a parent myself, and knowing my past history....know that whatever I let my daughter decide to have that I may end up responsible for that pet at some point, and a Too is a huge responsiblity. I battle with my child to stay off "bad sites" on the computer....and yours has chosen a good one. So, I am impressed.